Î÷¹ÏÊÓƵ

Entomologist inspired by Harper Adams study in his teens returns as postgraduate researcher

Posted 8 July 2021

An entomologist whose love for his studies was boosted by a sixth-form summer project at Î÷¹ÏÊÓƵ has returned to the institution – as a postgraduate researcher.

Ben Hawthorne first visited Harper Adams as a sixth former at Haberdasher’s Adams’ Grammar School in Newport, when he got the chance to take part in the CREST Gold award scheme – designed to help develop young people’s interest in STEM based subjects.

He found the scheme so inspiring he went on to study Zoology at university – and is now set to study for an MRes at Harper Adams, looking into the same species of insect as in his first CREST project – and working to help make climate-friendly gardening easier.

Ben, originally from Cannock, Staffordshire, had been searching for a new role after graduating from his degree last year – and when he discovered a studentship being offered at Harper Adams through the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), he decided to apply.

He said: “I had been looking for an opportunity to further my academic career in an area which I was passionate about. Through the power of social media, I found this exciting RHS MRes Studentship opportunity advertised and knew I should apply.

“My MRes will be investigating how nematodes, also known as roundworms, can control vine weevils in peat-free growing media.

“Vine weevils are a common garden pest, known for causing extreme damage to fruits and ornamental plants, and with the RHS target of being 100% peat-free by 2025, it is important to understand how effective nematodes can be as a biological control in peat-free growing media.

“Peatlands are the largest natural terrestrial carbon stores and unique ecosystems. Peat, which is partially decomposed plant material, undergoes oxidation as soon as it is exposed to air during extraction, which produces billions of tonnes of carbon dioxide globally - so going peat-free is a significant step towards combatting climate change.”

Andrew Salisbury, RHS Principal Entomologist, added: “With vine weevil being consistently a top five pest enquiry to the Society’s Gardening Advice service, it is clear research is needed to help gardeners deal with this insect and go peat free.

“We are very much looking forward to sponsoring Ben as part of the Society’s commitment to advancing Horticultural Science.” 

The new research will not, however, be Ben’s first project at Harper Adams examining vine weevils – as his initial CREST Gold award project, which he carried out with the help of Reader in Entomology Dr Tom Pope, also examined the beetles.

He added: “Growing up I was always outdoors, catching insects and learning about nature, which has undoubtedly influenced my interest in life sciences. However, my first experience of research from the CREST Gold Award at Î÷¹ÏÊÓƵ showed me it was possible to continue this interest and inspired me to study a Zoology degree.

“The project took place over one summer holiday, where 70 hours were spent conducting laboratory research, report writing and presenting my findings to an audience of academics. My project investigated the dominance behaviour in vine weevils, Otiorhynchus sulcatus, with Dr Tom Pope as my supervisor.

 “Coming back to Harper as a graduate will be exciting. I’m looking forward to working with Tom again, and using the skills I have developed during my time as an undergrad.”